Despite the agitated state of affairs both locally and abroad, here at the epicenter of American reality, focus must be regained on finding a mechanism to come together around our primary philosophical concerns. Public safety, political leadership, education and the economy are all sewn together with the platinum thread, "who are we as Americans." The perception of chaos is nothing new around this time of the political cycle and much posturing is expected. However the fundamental reality never changes, we must steady the economy because it is the tail that ultimately wags the dog (elephant or donkey) and will determine what essential direction the nation must take to either correct or stay the course.Despite tremendous and unparalleled opposition the Obama Administration and economic policies are just now taking root and showing prodigious positive impact in all sectors of society. This should reflect in a calming of the waters and a steady tide that raises all boats. However, the recalcitrant Republican right wing agenda is determined to undermine these efforts and further proliferate a fear campaign that is both polarizing and out of touch with reality. The conceptual pathway being aggressively endorsed by that extremist wing would (if possible) roll back all presidential victories, including the 2008 election itself; but even more preposterous to continue this retrogressive scorched earth process all the way back to undoing the mid-20th century civil and voting rights initiatives that ushered in the era of inclusion for minorities of all persuasions (blacks, hispanics, women, gays, etc.) to some mint julep era and high cotton imagery that occupies their imagination.

While I haven't lately spoken directly to many topical issues and concerns, with the exception of those I consider most immediate and relevant to the applications contained within my autobiography, "Metamorphosis In Black," I feel compelled to weigh in on the race for the White House. Amid the almost circus-like histrionics of the Republican Party, just beneath the surface(or behind the scenes) there is a real jockeying for the hearts and minds of the general populace. Only one person will actually sit atop the comedic heap piled into the elephant version of a Republican Party Volkswagen. The others have an entirely different agenda. For example it appears Christie Christie is vying to become anybody's Attorney General. Marco Rubio and Carly Fiorina are running for Vice-President, while Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz are running for their political lives. All the others may want either cabinet positions or ambassadorships, or perhaps just ego gratification that they felt themselves important enough to even be considered for some "higher" office than that they currently or previously occupied.

The concept that anybody can run for President no matter how absurd and remote their platform for governing. This anti-establishment smoke and mirrors platform that is fueled by primarily anti-Obama and to a lesser extent anti-women sentiment, is an exercise in misdirected anger over minorities actually outnumbering registered voters in the coming years. It is a shrill and calculated call for White Nationalism, and should not be disconnected as an extension of the extremist policies and platforms of a bygone era; like George Wallace, Barry Goldwater, Huey Long, David Duke, and Andrew Johnson, and the long list of neo-facist that grace the American political landscape.

We would do well to look beneath the surface and behind the closed doors of hypocrisy. American democracy itself is weighing in the balance of the next presidential contest. Buyer Beware... ﻿

Reply

jim butler

1/31/2017 12:42:27 pm

In the era of gigantic Mergers/Acquisitions and unfair advantage and monopoly these transactions pose, "beware" is the operative word for us all. Donald Trump the consummate businessman, runs the risk of attempting to merge and acquire America and thus dominate the international playing field of nations. BUYER BEWARE. His portfolio and Tax Returns are our only measurement of his AMBITIONS. Which one will be his parent company?

There can be no confusion or wiggle room regarding President-elect Trump "completely" divesting himself from his far-flung business interest. AND, wee can not know that this has occurred until we see what these business interests are. TAX RETURNS are our only window, and Full Public Disclosure. Nothing else will suffice.

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ABOUT JIM BUTLER

Born and raised in Harlem, Jim's winding journey to the American dream was as much decorated with success as it was marred with adversity. His uplifting message is that anyone can scale the height and panorama of their individual dreams.